The Rajasthan Royals are all set to take on the Kings XI Punjab at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This game, in particular, matters a lot for both sides as both these sides are on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs. The performance of both Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals has been up and down this season.
But talking about Kings XI Punjab’s performance, in particular, they have finally peaked as now they have won 5 matches on the trot. On the bank of some serious performances by players like Chris Gayle, Chris Jordan, Arshdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh Punjab have managed to pull of all these five matches.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals more or less have been knocked out of the playoffs contention but will rely upon other results to go their way if they have the slightest chance of qualifying for the playoffs this season. Ben Stokes who scored a century in the last game against Mumbai Indians will look to peak again and try to replicate the same against KXIP. Whereas Rahul Tewatia will also be looking to replicate what he did the last time Rajasthan Royals faced Kings XI Punjab as he smashed Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in an over to pull the match back in the favour of Rajasthan Royals.
With the match expected to be a close encounter between the two just like the last match, Let’s take a look at the five key players to watch out for in the game.
Let’s take a look at the 5 key players to watch out for when Kings Xi Punjab lock horns with Rajasthan Royals at Abu Dhabi
1. KL Rahul
KXIP Skipper KL Rahul has been in tremendous form since the 2019 summer, consistent and unstoppable. Given the Captain’s responsibility for his side this year, he has taken it with grace and performs brave upfront. Under his leadership Kings XI Punjab now pose a serious chance of qualifying for the playoffs as they’ve already won five matches on the troth.
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In addition to his emergent success as Kings XI Punjab’s captain, KL Rahul has been named as India’s vice-captain in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the tour of Australia.
2. Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia has done what the likes of Jos Buttler, Steve Smith couldn’t do for the Rajasthan Royals side this season. One can never forget those 5 sixes he hit in an over to Sheldon Cottrell during that match against Kings XI Punjab.
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Which is why it will be interesting to see if Rahul Tewatia can replicate the same in the reverse encounter against Kings XI Punjab.
3. Chris Gayle
The universe boss has made his way back in the playing XI and he hasn’t failed to cause an impact. In the first match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Chris Gayle notched a match-winning fifty along with KL Rahul to edge Punjab out of the losing streak.
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In the following match against Mumbai Indians, which was also double over the game, Gayle hit that monstrous hit off Trent Boult in the super over to ensure Kings XI Punjab that victory against the almighty Mumbai Indians.
4. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes who is regarded as the best all-rounder cricket as of now made his return after being with his family in New Zealand for a brief period. But ever since his return the all-rounder wasn’t able to put up a great show, he was asked to open instead of batting down the order which was a decision questioned by many.
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But then came the match against Mumbai Indians where Ben Stokes notched up a ton opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals. Which is why we shall watch out for Ben Stokes in the upcoming games.
5. Arshdeep Singh
The left-arm seamer from Punjab has been a surprise inclusion for the Kings XI Punjab franchise this season. Bowling the overs upfront and in the death, the young bowler has been a revelation as he has managed to compliment well with Mohammed Shami in the seam bowling unit.
Going forward Arshdeep Singh will go on to be one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket as he’s already showcased us in this Indian Premier League what he is actually capable of doing.
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